best of colorado Archives - Page 3 of 4

Best Annual Festival

Great American Beer Festival

Beer brings people together, and The Great American Beer Festival embodies that sentiment like no other.

Founded in 1982, the festival earns the label of the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served each year. Taking place virtually in 2020, the GABF is expected to be back as a live event in the fall of 2021.

Beer in contention for a coveted GABF medal is judged by a panel of industry professionals from around the world before a gold, silver or bronze medal is awarded to products that best fit the category.

Runners-up

Best Styling Salon

Avalon Salon and Day Spa

Located in the Aspen Grove shopping center and open since 2001 – and family-owned and operated since 2007 – the Avalon Salon and Day Spa aims to give customers an all-encompassing salon experience that reflects its motto, “Paradise in the Midst of Life.”

Although prices depend on the level of experience your hairdresser has in the industry, customers can be confident in the quality of their cut as every hairdresser has a minimum of three years in the industry.

Runners-up

Best Spa

The St. Regis Aspen Resort

The Remède Spa at the St. Regis Aspen Resort offers patrons the opportunity to replenish their mind and body in the shadows of the Aspen mountains.

Offering traditional options such as facials and massages, as well as newer options like CBD Healing Customized Massages, the Remède spa will make sure your desired avenue of relaxation is available.

Guests also have access to the steam caves, oxygen lounge and confluence waterfall.

“At Remède Spa, indulgence is a rite of entry. Never holistic, philosophical or pretentious, Remède Spa invites guests to enjoy the most decadent experience imaginable,” the Remède website states.

Runners-up

Best Pet Boarder/Day Care

Camp Bow Wow

Since 2000, Camp Bow Wow has been providing two main services for dog owners who love their pet but struggle to find enough hours in the day to give their canine the attention they deserve.

Doggy day care is available for those who need a quick place for their pup to chill out during the day, and dog boarding is for those who will be away for an extended period and need around-the-clock care for their pet.

Certified Camp Counselors will make sure that furry friend is looked after. Other services include dog training, grooming and walking.

Runners-up

City Bark
Beds N Biscuits, bedsnbiscuits.com
Hobnob Pet, hobnobpet.com

Best Pet Groomer

Petco Grooming, Littleton

Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays, Petco Grooming’s Littleton location offers a variety of grooming services that help to keep your pet stylish and healthy.

Nail trimming, teeth brushing, ear cleaning and other services are available upon walk-in for as little as $5.

Individual dog baths and haircut/bath combos must be booked ahead of time and cost $21 and $37 respectively, as of this writing.

Runners-up

Best Florist

The Perfect Petal

With clients ranging from the Colorado Avalanche to the Children’s Hospital Foundation, the team at the Perfect Petal works with you to provide a floral component to your event.

Whether it’s a wedding or a corporate event, there are flowers for every situation, and The Perfect Petal makes sure the decor at your event reflects the individuality of you and your occasion.

“The Perfect Petal is redefining small business as Denver’s leading flower shop,” the company’s website states. “With two convenient locations, we position ourselves as Denver’s best florist, helping you add that finishing touch to your event or occasion.”

Runners-up

Best Jeweler

Williams Jewelers

Located in Englewood, Williams Jewelers is a third-generation family business. With options to customize engagement rings or find the perfect Rolex, Williams Jewelers can help with all your custom and commercial jewelry needs.

If approved, you can gain access to special 12-month financing options for certain pieces.

“Our showroom offers a comfortable family feel, and the personal service of our experienced team reflects our dedication to providing the highest quality and longest lasting value with fine design,” the company’s website states.

Runners-up

Best Consignment/Thrift/Pawn Shop

arc Thrift Stores

arc Thrift Stores operate throughout Colorado, each store stocked with an always-changing variety of treasures. Shoppers find much of what they need for the home, kitchen, closet and more, all at a fraction of what the goods would cost new.

Then there are the environmental and social components. Each year, thanks to arc, 100 million pounds of goods are diverted from Colorado’s landfills; 65 million pounds of that is cloth that is repurposed, according to the company.

Another pillar of arc is its mission to support and empower those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We believe that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to decide how they live, learn, work, and play,” arc’s website states.

Runners-up

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This article is part of the 2021 Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards. Explore all the winners and finalists:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS | TRANSPORTATION | FINANCE
FOOD & BEVERAGE | LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS | MAINTENANCE| REAL ESTATE
HEALTH | PERSONAL FULFILLMENT | LIFESTYLE | OFFICE | RECREATION

The Best of Maintenance 2021

Best Carpet and Rug Cleaning

Bear Steam Cleaning

Offering free pre-treatment and standard deodorizer, Bear Steam Cleaning will have your carpets – residential or commercial – looking and smelling good enough to walk around bear-foot.

Bear Steam can also solve any of your carpet concerns related to pet odor, allergens or general stains. Regardless of the time, its team also has you covered 24 hours a day for any emergency water removal you may need.

Don’t live in a house? Not to worry, as Bear Steam also services motor homes.

Runners-up

Hangers,with,clean,clothes,in,laundry — Hangers with clean clothes in laundry

Best Dry Cleaner

Cache Cleaners

Serving the Boulder area for more than 25 years, this family-owned company prides itself on having a positive environmental impact.

Using the 100% biodegradable EcoSolv cleaning fluid, Cache Cleaners provides a service that is devoid of an environmental fee for transport and disposal. Have extra plastic bags after bringing your clothes home? Cache Cleaners will recycle them if you bring them back to the store during your next trip.

“We’re committed to giving you the high quality service only a small business can,” the company’s website says.

Runners-up

Best Heating and AC Service

The Weather Changers

Family owned, The Weather Changers has been serving the Denver metro area and homeowners ’heating, cooling and air quality needs since 2009. With certified technicians, the Weather Changers can help with anything from standard maintenance concerns to new system installations.

“Our goal is to earn your trust and maintain a lasting, long-term relationship with our clients,” the company’s website states. “We offer upfront pricing, professional craftsmanship and outstanding customer service.”

Runners-up

Cleaning,supplies,with,modern,background,and,copy,space,for,advertisement — cleaning supplies with modern background and copy space for advertisement text.

Best Janitorial Service

Kleen-Tech

Headquartered in Denver, Kleen-Tech’s mission statement illustrates a focus on customer satisfaction with a desire to constantly improve its systems, processes, tools and culture.

The range of Kleen-Tech’s clients is a credit to the company’s adaptability. From rental facilities to military institutions and government laboratories to sports arenas, Kleen-Tech customizes its services to fit whatever environment it has to tackle next.

The company also offers 24/7 bilingual customer support to address any questions or concerns.

Runners-up

JB Janitorial
Precision Carpet Cleaning and Janitorial

Best Landscape/Lawn Contractor

Timberline Landscaping

Having more Landscape Industry Certified employees than any other provider in the country is certainly a driving factor behind Timberline Landscaping’s almost 40 years of quality craftsmanship.

Locally owned and operated since 1982, Timberline’s award-winning work can be seen through residential and commercial projects. Operating out of Colorado Springs, the company serves numerous nonprofits that directly benefit the local community.

“At Timberline Landscaping, we strive to deliver a convenient experience with personalized design and service that provides durability and values in a landscape you can take pride in,” the company’s website states.

Runners-up

Best Plumbing Service

Applewood Plumbing Heating and Electric

Since 1973, Applewood has been providing plumbing, heating, cooling, electric and drain-cleaning services to the Denver area. Plumbing problems usually occur in the form of emergencies, and Applewood is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week to address those issues when they arise.

With a 96% on-time service record, the consistent availability has earned the company a customer base of more than 60% repeat customers.

Look for Applewood’s bright orange trucks, which are always fully stocked to ensure comprehensive repair for any issue.

Runners-up

Best Painting Contractor

Vivax Pros

Painting the Denver metro, Grand Junction and Fort Collins/Loveland areas, Vivax Pros is always looking to go the extra step when beautifying clients’ homes. Services include exterior painting, wood replacement, gutter maintenance and pressure washing.

The company prides itself on referrals from loyal clientele, and with more than 41,000 clients in the Denver metro area alone, the referrals don’t figure to slow anytime soon.

“We are well-trained individuals and promise to complete each job with integrity, the finest methods, materials and equipment,” the company says.

Runners-up

Best Roofing Contractor

J. Warren Exteriors

Specializing in exterior restoration, J. Warren Exteriors has been providing its services to the Denver metro area since 2017.

Although the company was founded relatively recently, its team boasts more than 20 years of construction experience. Tile roofs, stone coated steel roofs and the application of asphalt shingles are just a few of the roofing products that J. Warren Exteriors is licensed and insured to restore.

The family-owned and operated company also offers free inspections and estimates for homeowners.

Runners-up

Best Waste Recycling Service

Waste Management

Normally being synonymous with trash isn’t a good thing, but Waste Management is proud of its ability to provide waste and recycling options to communities across the country.

Waste Management offers waste and recycling options for residential communities and businesses alike. Just educating the public on better recycling habits is not enough for Waste Management.

It shows the country how it’s done, as the title sponsor of the Phoenix Open PGA golf tournament, which Waste Management has made a zero-waste event.

Runners-up

Best Architecture Firm

Galloway & Company

With five locations spanning three states, Galloway & Company has national influence with a localized feel. Despite the empire it has created, Galloway makes sure to stay true to its Denver roots. The company directly supports six Colorado-based nonprofits and volunteered a collective 500 hours in 2019.

“We’ve been investing in our people, our clients and our community for decades — long before it was fashionable,” the company’s website states. “As a legacy company, we are intentionally building a thoughtful, purposeful foundation for future generations — and that foundation revolves around people.”

Runners-up

Best Interior Design

Elsy Studios

Since 2012, the team at Elsy Studios has taken the time and care to get to know you and understand what you desire from your space. The Denver-based company has past projects ranging from nonprofits to restaurants, showing that no project is too unique to bring to reality.

“We have built our business on the quality of design we deliver and the highly personalized experience we create for our clients,” the company’s website states.

Runners-up

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This article is part of the 2021 Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards. Explore all the winners and finalists:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS | TRANSPORTATION | FINANCE
FOOD & BEVERAGE | LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS | MAINTENANCE| REAL ESTATE
HEALTH | PERSONAL FULFILLMENT | LIFESTYLE | OFFICE | RECREATION

The Best of Lodging and Accommodations 2021

Best Hotel for Business

Hotel Jerome

The hotel’s website puts it matter-of-factly: “You can’t experience Aspen without experiencing Jerome.”

To call Hotel Jerome a pillar of Aspen’s history would barely be doing it justice. Since its opening in 1889, the hotel has experienced the silver crash, the Great Depression and the rampant rise of the ski industry, and to this day it remains embedded in Aspen’s downtown.

In an effort to catch up on a lost year of tourism, Hotel Jerome is offering guests their fourth night free when staying four nights or longer.

Runners-up

Best Meeting/Event Venue

Colorado Convention Center

The Colorado Convention Center has been a favorite among the public since its opening in 1990. During much of the COVID pandemic, it assumed a particularly vital role, as a backup field hospital for non-critical patients.

With two major expansions in 2005 and 2015, the center is constantly upgrading its facilities and evolving to maintain its label as one of the most user-orientated meeting facilities in the state.

“Our goal is to erase the line between a “regular event” and a “green event” by making all events held at the Convention Center sustainable,” the venue’s website states.

Runners-up

Towel,on,fern,with,candles,and,black,hot,stone,on — Towel on fern with candles and black hot stone on wooden background. Hot stone massage setting lit by candles. Massage therapy for one person with candle light. Beauty spa treatment and relax concept.

Best Hotel of Leisure

St. Julien Hotel & Spa

Everyone deserves to be pampered once in a while, and in the shadows of the Flat Irons, the St. Julien Hotel & Spa will make sure that you are. St. Julien offers massages, facial treatments and waxing services alongside a trio of places to eat and drink.

Jill’s Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the T-Zero Bar & Lounge beckons at 4 p.m. onwards Wednesday through Sunday.

As the weather gets nicer, it is highly likely you’ll be drawn to the Redgarden Terrace and its beautiful views.

Runners-up

Best Team-Building Place

Escapology

A team that works well together is imperative for creating an efficient work environment, and Escapology makes sure that if your team doesn’t know how to work together, its members will be forced to learn as they navigate a variety of interactive escape-room challenges.

Located in downtown Denver, Escapology is easily accessible for your next staff event. Can’t make it to Denver? Escapology also offers virtual options where you can take on the mind-bending puzzles from the comfort of your couch.

Runners-up

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This article is part of the 2021 Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards. Explore all the winners and finalists:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS | TRANSPORTATION | FINANCE
FOOD & BEVERAGE | LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS | MAINTENANCE| REAL ESTATE
HEALTH | PERSONAL FULFILLMENT | LIFESTYLE | OFFICE | RECREATION

The Best of Professional Services 2021

Best Accounting Firm

Plante Moran

For nearly 100 years, Plante Moran has specialized in audit, tax, consulting and wealth management. With a staff of more than 3,300, Plante Moran is a big company, but one that strives to provide accounting services that are focused on the individuality of each client, creating an environment that fosters lasting relationships. According to Plante Moran’s website, 91% of clients favor it over competitors, and 98% would recommend the company to others.

Runners-up

Wipfli LLP
BKD CPAs & Advisors
CBIZ & MHM (Mayer Hoffman McCann PC)

Downtown Denver, Colorado, Usa Skyline Drone Aerial — Downtown Denver, Colorado, USA Skyline Drone Aerial.

Best Law Firm

Holland & Hart LLP

Holland & Hart has come to embody eight key values since its start in 1947: integrity, excellence, innovation, teamwork, commitment to one another, diversity in the workplace, community, and living life to the fullest. Adhering to these ideals has helped the firm build a reputation of high service and longevity. This outlook reflects the love of mountain climbing that founders Joe Holland and Steve Hart shared: “Keep going up, and if you get stuck, there is always another route to the top,” the company’s website proclaims.

Runners-up

Best Digital Marketing Firm

Buhv Designs

Working with local, national and multi-location brands, Buhv Designs has a wide variety of clientele, but its core values make sure that the help you require is tailored to you. Never limited to one way of thinking, Buhv’s driving factors are its obsession and resilience when it comes to solving problems. Whether you need help with search engine optimization, web design or content marketing, Buhv’s team will help tackle the objectives.

“We’ll get into the weeds, roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty with the nuance of your business and your customers,” the company says.

Runners-up

Best Marketing/Advertising Agency

Estound

estound digital marketing is a full service strategic marketing management company that specializes in bolstering the influence of tech brands. Since 2006, estound’s process has helped clients establish goals first and work backwards to create a strategy that works. The team’s all-encompassing strategies can help to build anything from email marketing campaigns to a client’s website in need of a re-design.

“We’re here for one reason and one reason only: to help your business break through the barriers that stand between you and your next level of achievement,” estound says.

Runners-up

Best Public Relations Agency

B Public Relations

Specializing in media relations, social and digital media, and influencers and strategic partnerships, the team at B Public Relations works directly with you to make sure your needs are prioritized and your brand is bolstered to make the biggest impact it can. BPR has long been entrenched in the hospitality industry, as it has helped clients in the hotel, restaurant, event and tourism sectors.

“At BPR, our boutique team of expert publicists and hospitality industry professionals is passionate about – and personally dedicated to building – each and every brand we represent,” BPR’s website states.

Runners-up

Best Staffing/Recruiting Executive Search

Robert Half

Rated No. 1 by Fortune and Forbes magazines, Robert Half is nationally recognized as one of the best staff recruiting and executive search agencies. Not limited to just talent-finding services, Robert Half also provides financial, administrative, legal, marketing and IT aid to clients. Whether you are hiring for a position, or seeking a new job, Robert Half strives to be a valued resource in the search process.

“Let us help you find temporary, or full-time professionals who fit your company and get tremendous satisfaction from working to solve your business challenges,” the company says.

Runners-up

Best Event-Planning Service

Kinsley Meetings

Kinsley Meetings offers an all-encompassing service to help facilitate your meetings and make sure that they run smoothly whether they are in person or online. In business for more than 25 years, Kinsley has helped coordinate 1,104 meetings in 24 countries with 95 different clients since 2000.

“Our knowledge of what works and what doesn’t, combined with our expertise and our penchant for high standards, is the foundation of every program we deliver,” the company says.

Runners-up

e5 Events
RMC – Resorts | Mountains | Cities (Rocky Mountain Connections)
As You Wish

Best Moving Company

Johnson Storage & Moving Co.

Whether you are a major company or an average Joe, Johnson Storage & Moving can help with all of your residential and commercial moving needs. Not moving? Storage is part of the company’s name for a reason. In the transportation business since 1900, the company is owned and operated by fourth-generation members of the Johnson family and has seen its founding site in Denver expand to locations across six states. Embedded in the Colorado community for so long, Johnson makes sure to give back and works with multiple charities based in Colorado.

Runners-up

Best Funeral/Cremation Services

Horan & McConaty

As a family-operated cremation and burial service, it is meaningful to Horan & McConaty that it serves more Denver families than any other family-operated funeral home in the metro area. Horan & McConaty appreciates its role in comforting those who are saying their final farewells to loved ones.

“At the heart of Horan & McConaty is our vision … to be the company most respected for our superior staff, our ethics, our world-class facilities, and commitment to people who are grieving,” the company’s website states.

Runners-up

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This article is part of the 2021 Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards. Explore all the winners and finalists:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS | TRANSPORTATION | FINANCE
FOOD & BEVERAGE | LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS | MAINTENANCE| REAL ESTATE
HEALTH | PERSONAL FULFILLMENT | LIFESTYLE | OFFICE | RECREATION

The Best of Food and Beverage 2021

Best Breakfast Spot

Snooze

Snooze is committed to creating a delicious and ethically responsible eatery. Whether it is sustainable agriculture, animal treatment or anything else in the creative food process, Snooze aligns itself with partners that also look to positively influence future generations.

Now, 95% of the food that Snooze sources and serves is Snooze Approved and adheres to these ethical standards. From eggs to bacon and pancakes to hash browns, Snooze will satisfy your appetite – and your conscience.

Runners-up

Best Business Lunch Spot

Range Restaurant

Living up to its name, the “range” of the Range Restaurant’s menu has something for everyone. The Range Restaurant aims to embody the New American West Cuisine.

Whether it’s cooking techniques or cultural influences, the Range looks to draw inspiration from the Rocky Mountain West, so it only makes sense that for the second year in a row, the readers ’choice for business lunches is located right in the heart of Denver.

Runners-up

Best Delivered Lunch

Jimmy John’s

With a loan of $25,000 and a desire to replicate the authenticity of Chicago street food, Jimmy John Liautaud created a sandwich company that has grown to more than 2,800 locations across the country.

Since the company’s inception in 1983, the all-natural meat and fresh veggies are sliced every day to complement the bread that is made in-house daily.

Despite the company’s rapid growth, Jimmy John’s maintains a focus in creating a company that builds up every community it operates within through partnerships with local contractors and repair companies.

Runners-up

Best Happy Hour Spot

Elway’s Steakhouse

Elway’s Steakhouses operate out of four locations across Colorado. Whether it’s right when you touch down at DIA, nestled in the mountain town of Vail, in the heart of downtown Denver or on its outskirts in Cherry Creek, Elway’s will dazzle you with a menu that is always evolving to reflect the ebb and flow of the food market.

“Our menu boasts USDA Prime, hand-cut steaks, Colorado lamb, raw bar selections with fine fish, crustaceans and much more,” the Elway’s Downtown website states.

Runners-up

Best Sports Bar

Stoney’s Bar and Grill

Stoney’s Bar and Grill is a welcome addition to any sports fan’s gameday ritual, regardless of the time of the week.

Featuring a recently renovated building, Stoney’s is a haven for any sports fan with its 31 HD TVs and two 120-inch projection screens. You’ll be able to watch any game you want without worrying about a lack of coverage for your favorite team.

Stoney’s also features a full food menu and daily specials like Taco Tuesdays and Wing Wednesdays to make sure you are well-fed while you cheer.

Runners-up

Best Restaurant Patio

Snooze

The only thing that rivals the beauty of what Snooze serves on a plate, is where it serves it.

Although it varies from location to location, Snooze patios can provide patrons a range of accommodations, with anything from a sun-lit chair to enjoy a morning coffee to a group table to recount last night’s activities over some brunch and mimosas.

Across Colorado, Snooze has 11 locations to help satisfy breakfast hankerings – even if it isn’t necessarily breakfast.

Runners-up

Best Restaurant, Vegetarian | Vegan

Watercourse Foods

Watercourse Foods in Denver has been creating sustainable vegetarian options since 1998. The menu focuses on food that is absent of artificial coloring, preservatives and artificial flavors.

With a desire to keep its food as fresh and natural as possible, Watercourse pairs with many local vendors and environmentally conscious businesses to bring food to the table.

“Watercourse isn’t just a restaurant – we seek out opportunities to support those we are connected to, and uplift the voices that make our city exceptional,” the company says.

Runners-up

Best Restaurant View

The Fort Restaurant

Get transported back in time to a 19th century fur trading fort when you eat at The Fort, located just two miles south of Morrison.

If the restaurant itself doesn’t completely transport you, the menu is sure to, as the food is inspired by recipes cooked by the Native Americans, trappers and traders who roamed the area during that time.

“By exploring our rich Western cultural and culinary past, we reintroduce food trends of the 1800s, which create current trends of their own,” proprietress Holly Arnold Kinney wrote on the restaurant’s website.

Runners-up

Best Restaurant Wine List

Postino

Postino’s Colorado wine program offers more than 25 wine types to challenge yet satisfy your palate.

Whether you are just a casual wine aficionado or looking to pursue a career as a sommelier, Denver has three Postino locations that can help you drink and educate yourself around the world of wine.

Not limited to just fermented grapes, Postino offers a variety of bruschetta, paninis and other appetizers to complement your drink of choice.

Runners-up

Best Food Truck

Steuben’s Food Truck

The Steuben’s Food Truck takes the iconic diner menu that patrons have enjoyed at the Steuben’s restaurant since 2006 and makes it mobile.

Operating alongside the restaurant, the food truck has been in operation since 2010 and provides the menu’s greatest hits while roving around Denver and its surrounding areas. Find the truck’s latest location and hours on the Steuben’s website.

“The crew serves up many of the specialties that are so popular in the restaurant, including the Monte Cristo, our famous Burgers, Green Chili Cheese Fries and so much more,” the company’s website says.

Runners-up

Best Catering Company

Footers Catering

Feeding more than 75,000 customers at more than 600 events a year, it is easy to see why Footers Catering in a repeat winner for best catering company.

With customized menus for each event, Footers makes sure that the excitement and uniqueness surrounding your event is reflected in the food.

“We are proud to offer full event coordination to ensure that every detail is perfect for your wedding, corporate event, charitable gathering or family party,” the company’s website says.

Runners-up

Best Locally Owned Coffee Shop, Front Range

Boyer’s Coffee Co.

With beans sourced from every major international coffee-growing region, it is easy to forget that Boyer’s Coffee got its start operating out of founder Bill Boyer’s garage in 1965.

Now, with brothers Douglass and Jason at the helm, the company has far outgrown its humble beginnings but continues to remain a family affair that represents the Denver community.

With 100% Arabica coffee beans and a taste test carried out with every batch, the roasting team at Boyer’s Coffee makes sure the quality is perfect time and time again.

Runners-up

Best Coffee Shop Locally Owned, Western Slope

Roasted Espresso and Subs (Grand Junction)

You’ll come for the coffee, but you’ll stay for the menu that exudes a quality of food far higher than one would expect from a normal coffee shop, and the coffee.

Roasted Espresso and Subs offers a variety of breakfast and lunch sandwiches that will pair perfectly with any one of their drinks.

Per the company’s website, “Roasted’s mission is to provide customers with quality products they have come to expect and love,” and with a daily happy hour of 2-4 p.m., this Grand Junction favorite certainly delivers.

Runners-up

Best Brewery

Breckenridge Brewery

Breckenridge Brewery captures a mountain-town feel for a nationwide audience. “As of 2016 Breckenridge Brewery became a proud member of The High End, a family of craft breweries and unit of Anheuser-Busch,” the company’s website indicates. “We now send beer to 35 states and continue to create new and exciting beers.”

Their creative process is not limited to brewing beer. Velvet Variety, a nitro twist on classic cocktails, and the Good Company hard seltzer, are Breckenridge’s latest advancements into the ever-changing world of adult beverages.

Runners-up

Best Cidery

Stem Ciders

Quality, style and tradition are the hallmarks of Stem Cider, and these elements were the driving factors behind Eric Foster and Phil Kao’s decision to found the company in 2013.

The duo wanted to bring the tradition of cider making and their appreciation for it back into the limelight.

The RiNo cider house in Denver and the Acerage production facility and restaurant in Layfayette represent the company’s

local presence and provide opportunities for customers to taste cider of the highest quality.

Runners-up

Best Distillery

Breckenridge Distillery

The “World’s Highest Distillery” was founded in 2008 and from then on, Breckenridge Distillery has consistently collected numerous awards for its high-quality spirits.

The Breckenridge Bourbon is a four-time winner of the Best American Blended and won the Int’l Wine & Spirits Competition award for Bourbon of the Year in 2011.

The company itself has also been recognized for its quick rise to stardom by taking home the Icons of Whisky award for Brand Innovator of the year in 2018.

Runners-up

Best Winery

Carboy Winery

Since 2015, Carboy Winery has brought together growers from all over the country to create wines that elevate Colorado’s wine culture.

With locations in Denver, Littleton and Breckenridge, Carboy is slowly turning a state known for its beer into one that creates exciting wines. The wines themselves are not all that excite Carboy fans.

Taking sustainability to a new level, Carboy has been pioneering a unique way to serve wine: on tap.

“Our mission is to craft world-class Colorado wine, cultivate a community with every experience, and create a culture for wine in the Centennial State,” Carboy’s website states.

Runners-up

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This article is part of the 2021 Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards. Explore all the winners and finalists:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS | TRANSPORTATION | FINANCE
FOOD & BEVERAGE | LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS | MAINTENANCE| REAL ESTATE
HEALTH | PERSONAL FULFILLMENT | LIFESTYLE | OFFICE | RECREATION

Investing in Colorado and delivering premium CBD

Kyoto Botanicals is a Best For Colorado company creating and providing premium quality, clean, all-natural CBD products.

Their products range from gummies to body balm to dog treats. Their goal is to create and deliver the highest quality CBD products possible.

As a completely self-funded company Kyoto Botanicals is able to make independent and ethical decisions about every part of their products creation and sale.

We spoke with PR Manager Emily Tracy about Kyoto Botanicals commitment to high quality production and doing business better.

Best For Colorado: How long has your company been Best for Colorado?

Emily Tracy: We became a Best For Colorado Company in February 2020, so a little more than a year.

B4CO: Tell us more about your company in general. What do you do? What is your mission? What makes you different?

ET: Colorado-based Kyoto Botanicals provides handcrafted CBD products with premium full-spectrum hemp extract and organic botanical ingredients. Currently, Kyoto’s product line offers everything from tinctures, gummies, body oil, body balmand face serum, to dog treats. The founders experienced firsthand the incredible power of the hemp plant and its associated phytocannabinoids in its ability to improve lives and restore hope to people and families that had little hope left. Their stories changed them forever, and they knew that their future would be dedicated to creating and delivering the highest quality CBD products possible.

Kyoto’s diverse co-founders include Mark Gillilan who previously worked as the director of marketing at Colorado’s Charlotte’s Web, the largest CBD company in the country and Ron Morrow, a Colorado entrepreneur who is a business leader in Longmont and a passionate advocate for hemp. Charlotte’s Web developed a high CBD, low THC strain of cannabis that helped many families find hope and quality of life they couldn’t elsewhere. Their story made global headlines as it was pivotal in the progressive THC and CBD legislation that we know today.

B4CO: How did your company first hear about Best for Colorado, and why did you decide to join?

ET: I was sent an email via ColoradoBiz! The CBD industry is so wildly competitive, as you can imagine, but not every CBD company operates under good principles. Kyoto Botanicals is able to create premium quality, clean, all-natural products without compromise.

B4CO: What is a challenging aspect of your work?

ET: We are completely funded by ourselves with no outside investors. However, we are proudly independent. With no outside investors or outside voices, we can provide the highest-quality CBD products. We don’t have to make compromises to make shareholders happy.

B4CO: What is an achievement your company is proud of?

ET: We are entirely based in Colorado with our grow, processing, bottling and distribution in facilities-owned and run by us, so we keep all of our investment in our communities.

B4CO: Why would you recommend joining Best for Colorado to other companies?

ET: Both ColoradoBiz and The Alliance Center are doing incredible things for the state. Many of our clients are in the agricultural space (Boulder County Farmers Market, ORIGIN Milk, etc.)–both of which benefit greatly from having ColoradoBiz and The Alliance Center in their corners!

Best for Colorado is a program of The Alliance Center. It allows Colorado companies to measure and improve their social and environmental impact, regardless of where they are on their corporate social responsibility journey. Best for Colorado offers programming and tools for all Colorado companies, including B Corps, to improve their practices and connect participating companies with local resources, education and support.

The Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards 2020

Making the best of it

Back in mid-January, when all the votes were counted and winners determined for our sixth annual Best of Colorado Business Choice Readers’ Poll, there was little hint of the jarring changes to lives and livelihoods that awaited.

Fast-forward to mid-April. Few businesses on the following articles have been spared from COVID-19 pandemic that, as of this writing, has brought many of the world’s economies to a virtual standstill and threatened the well-being — and perhaps the very existence — of countless businesses.

The disruption in lives and livelihoods is evident throughout this issue, none more so than a category that was once a source of amusement: “Best Place to Play Hooky.” The coronavirus has left thousands of Coloradans wishing they had a place to play hooky FROM, and the winner of that category, the Denver Zoo, is closed until further notice, facing $1 million in monthly maintenance costs with uncertain revenue.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Convention Center, winner of this year’s “Best Meeting and Event Venue,” was, as of this writing, being turned into a venue no one would happily choose — a field hospital for non-critical COVID-19 patients.

The recovery for most businesses in Colorado and elsewhere will depend on the duration of social distancing and sheltering-in-place — terms unknown to voters when they weighed in for their favorite businesses. Even after social distancing restrictions are eased, recovery will depend on the confidence of consumers to venture out to eat, recreate, shop, and resume contracting for services in their professional and personal dealings.

We can only hope, by this time you’re reading this, some semblance of normalcy has resumed for all Coloradans and the businesses they’ve worked so hard to build. The winners and runners-up in the following articles may be uplifted by congratulations, but ultimately they’ll be sustained by our determination to do business with them.

Read on to explore this year’s Best for Colorado’s winners and finalists:

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS
TRANSPORTATION
FINANCE
FOOD& BEVERAGE
LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS
MAINTENANCE
REAL ESTATE
HEALTH
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
LIFESTYLE
OFFICE
RECREATION

The Best of Technology and Electronics 2020

Best Audio-Visual Service Production

Image Audiovisuals Inc.

Founded in 1988, ImageAV provides AV production, scenic backdrops, on-demand virtual meetings and systems integration, allowing many of its clients a single point of contact for their needs. Client care is a big part of the success of ImageAV, which has offices across Colorado and in Arizona. “Our staff is truly amazing in the way they care for our clients,” says David Mueller, president. “We have a culture that values each team member, client relationships, honesty and passion in what we do. These values, our team and our commitment to them create satisfied clients and lots of new opportunities.”

Runners-up

Best IT Services

Decypher Technologies

For the first few years after its 2003 launch, Decypher Technologies provided IT services to high end luxury residences in the Aspen area. About five years ago the Glenwood Springs-based firm opened an office in Denver and began focusing on businesses. “We started to realize our processes and our procedures were really excellent when we compared ourselves to national companies,” says founder Farr Shepherd. Today Decypher Technologies has more than 40 employees and four locations. “We work very hard and we are customer focused.”

Runners-up

Best Web Development

Spire Digital

Spire Digital provides strategic consulting, user experience web design, software development services, DevOps and staff augmentation. The company works in a variety of industries, including automotive, aviation and aerospace, education, nonprofit, telecommunications and travel and recreation. The company was founded in 1998 by CEO Mike Gellman, who directs Spire’s management, vision and strategy. Under his leadership, Spire Digital has grown to be a multi-million-dollar company that has been profitable from Day One without funding.

“Design is not just how something looks, but also how it works,” Spire’s website explains.

Runners-up

This article is part of the 2020 Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards. Explore all the winners and finalists:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | TRANSPORTATION | FINANCE
FOOD& BEVERAGE | LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS | MAINTENANCE| REAL ESTATE
HEALTH| PERSONAL FULFILLMENT | LIFESTYLE | OFFICE | RECREATION

The Best of Transportation 2020

Best Auto Dealership

Schomp Automotive Group

The Schomp Automotive Group is a local, fourth-generation family-owned business that has been operating in the Rocky Mountain Region for more than 75 years. The group says each worker takes to heart the core values – being Competitive, Consistent, Adaptable, Respectful and Empathetic – and incorporates them into the way they interact with customers and with each other. “Schomp’s core values ensure that both our customers and our team members have the best experience possible at our dealerships,” says CEO Aaron Wallace. “They also have guided our almost eight decades of commitment to serving in the communities where we live and do business.”

Runners-up

Best Auto Repair Service

Keller Bros.

Keller Bros. has been in the auto repair business for more than 45 years. It is family-owned and locally operated, and has ASE Certified Master technicians on staff. Keller Bros. performs everything from oil changes to major repairs, and has won awards from CARQUEST Service Dealers Advisory Council, Colorado Ethics in Business Alliance, the Better Business Bureau and others. They even made the cover of Ratchet+Wrench magazine in 2014.

Runners-up

Best Private Jet Services

XJET

Xjet is a luxury fixed-base operator (FBO) with operations at Centennial Airport. The FBO offers aircraft owners the finest facilities and service available in the industry.

“The Xjet experience is personified in our partners — the xjet family, all sharing an invincible vision for what we can achieve together every day,” the company’s website states. “It’s an environment where bright, highly motivated individuals can flourish and reach their full potential while loving what they do.”

Runners-up

This article is part of the 2020 Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards. Explore all the winners and finalists:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS | FINANCE
FOOD& BEVERAGE | LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS | MAINTENANCE| REAL ESTATE
HEALTH| PERSONAL FULFILLMENT | LIFESTYLE | OFFICE | RECREATION

The Best of Finance 2020

Best Bank

Alpine Bank

When customers use their Alpine Bank Loyalty Debit Cards, Alpine Bank donates 10 cents to nonprofit organizations in their community. For 2019, those dimes added up to $1,635,120. Alpine Bank is employee-owned and locally operated, and has been a part of Colorado since 1973. With 40 locations statewide, Alpine Bank serves 140,000 customers. “While current times are testing us all, we deeply appreciate this recognition from our customers to whom we owe our success,” said Alpine Bank founder and chairman Bob Young. “We have always been and continue to be all in this together.”

Runners-up

Best Insurance Provider

State Farm

State Farm provides insurance, and also offers useful information on its website. Last year it reported that U.S. drivers have a one in 116 chance of colliding with an animal, and in Colorado drivers have a one in 186 chance. That’s compared to a one in 175 chance of being audited by the IRS, one in 215 chance of dating a millionaire, and one in 220 chance of writing a New York Times bestseller. In Colorado, State Farm supports Earth Force, a nonprofit focused on educating teachers on how to build environmental community projects with their students.

Runners-up

Best Credit Union

ENT Credit Union

Ent Credit Union was established in 1957 to serve the Ent Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. Ent now has 370,000 member-owners in 12 counties. In 2019 Ent donated $2 million to area nonprofits. The credit union provides Ent Youth Endowment Series (YES) grants to not-for-profit agencies that benefit youth, and not-for-profits in the Pikes Peak, Pueblo and Denver areas can apply for a YES grant. Ent focuses on supporting nonprofits that support child and family health and wellbeing, and higher education, primarily Colorado-based university and community college scholarships.

Runners-up

Best Mortgage Broker

American Financing

In recent years, Peyton Manning has drawn a lot of attention to American Financing, the family-owned mortgage company founded by Damian and Gabie Maldonado in 2001. American financing is known for its dedicated mortgage consultants, custom loan programs and faster-than-industry average closings. American Financing has grown into a national mortgage banker, from 15 employees in 2001 to 329 employees in 2017.

The company aligns small teams of mortgage consultants and processors to create unity and understanding and provide customers with direct contact with two people, rather than requiring follow-up with multiple contacts.

“The best way to sustain growth and provide the best service is through a strong foundation, strategic leadership and experienced employees,” Damian Maldonado said.

Runners-up

Best Title Company

Empire Title

Empire Title provides sound, basic title services that protect property owners by insuring against defects in titles that have already occurred but have not yet been discovered. The company specializes in solving title problems and maximizing opportunities for transactions to close. The company offers classes such as The Basics of Title Commitment; The Basics of Business Planning and Marketing; The Basics of HUD; and Advanced Foreclosure. It also provides marketing services, including flyers and postcards; labels and lists; and property profile books.

Runners-up

Best Wealth Manager/Financial Planner

Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel

Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel is an independent registered investment adviser and financial planning firm with offices in Aspen and Denver. Like most investment advisers, Obermeyer Wood offers services such as portfolio evaluation, securities selection, plans for future financial events and risk assessment. But Obermeyer Wood is different in that its advisers seek to understand clients’ goals and unique financial picture.

“That way, we can coordinate with your other advisers, such as your CPA and estate attorney, to come up with an investment plan that gives you and your family financial peace of mind well into the future,” the company explains.

Runners-up

Best SBA Lender

Alpine Bank

Alpine Bank has 40 locations from Durango to Denver, including Front Range branches in Denver’s Union Station, Cherry Creek and Denver Tech Center neighborhoods and Boulder. Alpine Bank serves 140,000 customers with personal, business, wealth management, mortgage and electronic banking services.

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Alpine Bank devoted the section about SBA loans on its website to keeping businesses informed of available resources such as the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program and how to apply for the program through the bank. The Paycheck Protection Program authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis.

Runners-up

This article is part of the 2020 Best of Colorado Business Choice Awards. Explore all the winners and finalists:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS | TRANSPORTATION
FOOD& BEVERAGE | LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS | MAINTENANCE| REAL ESTATE
HEALTH| PERSONAL FULFILLMENT | LIFESTYLE | OFFICE | RECREATION

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